The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Long Trail School
Independent
Long Trail School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Arlington and surrounding communities. Founded in 1979, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports, theater productions, and community service programs. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
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Burr and Burton Academy
Independent
Burr and Burton Academy is one of Vermont's premier independent secondary schools, serving students from Arlington and multiple surrounding towns. With a history dating back to 1829, the school combines traditional values with innovative educational approaches. The extensive campus includes state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, and performing arts centers. The school offers over 150 courses including numerous AP options, robust arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor and comprehensive student support services.
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The Dorset School
Independent
The Dorset School serves students from Arlington and nearby communities with a focus on elementary and middle school education. Founded in 1978, the school emphasizes project-based learning and outdoor education in its beautiful Vermont setting. The curriculum balances academic fundamentals with creative expression and environmental awareness. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, and the school maintains strong community partnerships. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Vermont
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Arlington, VT, and are there any local transportation considerations?
The most prominent private school serving Arlington families is Long Trail School, an independent college-preparatory day school located in nearby Dorset. While Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester and The Dorset School are also top-tier options, they are located in neighboring towns. A key consideration for Arlington parents is transportation, as Vermont's rural landscape means most private schools do not provide extensive bus service. Families typically need to arrange carpooling or private transportation, which is an important logistical and time commitment factor when choosing a school outside the Arlington town limits.
How does the tuition for private schools like Long Trail School compare to Arlington's public school funding, and are there Vermont-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Long Trail School for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $26,000 for grades 6-12, which is a significant investment compared to Arlington's publicly funded schools. However, Vermont has unique programs to help offset costs. Most notably, many towns, including Arlington, are "tuitioning towns" for high school students, meaning the district will pay a set tuition rate to an approved private school of the family's choice. It's crucial to confirm Burr and Burton Academy's and Long Trail School's approved status with the Arlington School District. Additionally, all major private schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, and Vermont's 529 plan savings can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Arlington, VT, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Arlington region deeply integrate Vermont's natural landscape and community values into their programs. Long Trail School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with direct access to the Green Mountain National Forest for fieldwork. Burr and Burton Academy boasts a renowned Mountain Campus for immersive semester programs focused on leadership and ecology. Furthermore, given Arlington's artistic heritage (it was once home to Norman Rockwell), these schools often have strong visual and performing arts programs with connections to local galleries and institutions, offering a well-rounded education rooted in the region's culture and resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a private school like Long Trail School for an Arlington family, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Arlington-area private schools begins early. For a fall start, applications to Long Trail School and Burr and Burton Academy are typically due in January or February, with decisions released in March. The process involves an application, student essays, teacher recommendations, school records, and a required student visit/interview. While these schools are selective, they also value creating a diverse student body from sending towns like Arlington. Spots can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so initiating contact in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year is strongly advised. Many schools also host open houses in the autumn.
For an Arlington resident, what are the key factors in choosing between Arlington's public schools and an independent private school like Long Trail or Burr and Burton?
The decision hinges on several Arlington-specific factors. Arlington's public schools (Fisher Elementary and Arlington Memorial Middle/High School) offer a strong, community-centered K-12 pathway. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a different academic approach (like Long Trail's International Baccalaureate curriculum), specialized programs, or a larger peer group drawn from across Bennington County. The tuitioning town benefit can make private high school financially comparable to public for Arlington residents, but it requires proactive paperwork. Ultimately, parents should consider the daily commute, the desired campus culture, and whether the specific programs (e.g., advanced arts, global studies) align with their child's needs beyond what the local public system provides.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Affordable Private Schools in Arlington, VT | A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Arlington, Vermont, you understand the value of a close-knit community and a high-quality education for your child. The search for the right school is deeply personal, and when considering private education, the question of affordability naturally comes to the forefront. Finding truly affordable private schools near me in our area requires a shift in perspective—it’s less about finding the lowest tuition and more about understanding the exceptional value and financial accessibility that some local institutions provide. Arlington is uniquely positioned, offering proximity to several private schools that balance academic excellence with a commitment to making their programs reachable for families.
One of the most significant considerations for Arlington families is the town’s participation in Vermont’s Town Tuitioning Program. This is a crucial piece of local context. Since Arlington does not operate its own public high school, the town provides tuition payments for students in grades 7-12 to attend approved public or independent schools. This means that schools like Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, a highly respected independent school, become a financially viable option for many Arlington families. The tuition is covered by the town, transforming what might seem like a premium private education into an accessible one. It’s essential to check the current approved school list and specific grade-level coverage with the Arlington School District, as this program is a cornerstone of affordability.
For families seeking a private day school environment for younger grades or a different educational approach, Long Trail School in Dorset is another excellent nearby option. As an independent college-preparatory school, Long Trail offers a rigorous curriculum with a global focus. While it is a tuition-based school, they are deeply committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer a robust financial aid program based on demonstrated need. It’s not uncommon for a significant percentage of their student body to receive some level of grant assistance. When researching affordable private schools near me, it’s vital to look beyond the sticker price and have open conversations with admissions offices about aid packages, payment plans, and what your family might realistically contribute.
The Dorset School, serving younger children through elementary and middle school grades, presents another community-oriented choice. Smaller, private institutions like this often work diligently to keep tuition manageable while providing personalized attention. The key for Arlington parents is to cast a wide net, schedule visits, and ask direct questions about cost structure. Remember, affordability is defined differently for every family budget. The private schools accessible from Arlington often view their investment in financial aid as an investment in the community itself, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds. Your search is not just about finding a school you can afford, but about finding a partner in your child’s education that aligns with your values and makes the financial commitment a collaborative and transparent process. The resources are here; it’s about knowing how to navigate them.
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